UNBROKEN STANDPakistan's last recognized batsmen Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal remained not-out at stumps and will carry their teams hopes into the fourth day

"Pakistan's Salman Butt, right, plays a stroke as India's V.V.S. Laxman takes evasive action during the first Test at the Ferozshah Kotla ground in New Delhi yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

India's spinners bowled out Pakistan's top order in their second innings yesterday, giving the hosts a narrow advantage after three days of the first Test.

Captain and leg-spinner Anil Kumble (3-55) and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh (2-52) shared the spoils as Pakistan were reduced to 212 for five despite a strong start to the innings.

Pakistan are now 167 runs ahead after India led by 45 runs after the first innings. The outcome of the match will hinge on the performance of the Pakistan tail and how India's batsmen cope with a track where spinners are beginning to dominate.

Misbah-ul-Haq (29 not out) and Kamran Akmal (21 not out), Pakistan's last recognized batsmen, added 51 runs off 75 deliveries for the sixth wicket and will carry Pakistan's hopes into the fourth day.

Pakistan were all out for 231 in the first innings and India replied with 276.